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Junior System Administrator Jobs in Springfield, IL

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Junior System Administrator information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$32.7K

$62.7K

$85.2K

How much do junior system administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior system administrator in Springfield, IL is $62,681.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $72,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior system administrator?

Junior System Administrators are entry-level IT professionals responsible for assisting in the maintenance, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems and servers. They help monitor system performance, perform routine upgrades, troubleshoot technical issues, and support senior administrators in daily tasks. This role is ideal for individuals starting their career in IT administration and provides valuable experience in managing networked systems, hardware, and software within an organization.

What is the difference between Junior System Administrator vs Network Technician?

AspectJunior System AdministratorNetwork Technician
CertificationsCompTIA A+, Network+, Microsoft CertifiedCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentIT departments, data centers, corporate officesNetwork operations centers, telecom companies, ISPs
ResponsibilitiesManaging servers, user accounts, troubleshooting OS issuesInstalling, maintaining, and troubleshooting network hardware and connectivity

While both roles support IT infrastructure, a Junior System Administrator focuses on server and system management, whereas a Network Technician specializes in network hardware and connectivity. They often work together but have distinct technical focuses within IT operations.

What are some common challenges faced by junior system administrators during their first year on the job?

Junior System Administrators often encounter challenges such as adapting to a fast-paced environment, learning to manage multiple priorities, and quickly troubleshooting unfamiliar technical issues. Additionally, they may need to become proficient with new tools and systems, while also developing effective communication skills to collaborate with senior administrators and end-users. Regularly seeking feedback, participating in team discussions, and utilizing available documentation can help ease the transition and support professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior system administrator?

To thrive as a Junior System Administrator, you need a basic understanding of operating systems (Windows/Linux), networking fundamentals, and a relevant degree or certification such as CompTIA A+ or Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals. Familiarity with system monitoring tools, Active Directory, and ticketing systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you quickly address technical issues and support end-users. These abilities ensure reliable system performance and smooth IT operations within an organization.
What are the most commonly searched types of System Administrator jobs in Springfield, IL? The most popular types of System Administrator jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Junior System Administrator jobs in Springfield, IL? For Junior System Administrator jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Junior System Administrator jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Junior System Administrator job openings:
Junior System Administrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior System Administrator job openings in Springfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,681 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Senior z/OS Administrator / Systems Programmer (Remote)

DivIHN

Springfield, IL • On-site, Remote

$85K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

For further inquiries regarding the following opportunity, please contact our Talent Specialist, Abdul at (224) 507-1295 or Saravanakumar at (224) 507-1183 or Ragu at (224) 704 1713 or Justeen at (224) 394-4903
Title: Senior z/OS Administrator / Systems Programmer (Remote)
Location: Remote
Duration: 6 Months
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, with 7.5 hours per day.
Initial 2 days onsite visit (Springfield, IL) is required for onboarding purposes; the rest of the engagement will be remote.
Only W2 candidates are eligible for this position. Third-party or C2C candidates will not be considered.
Job Description
Job Summary:
• The Senior z/OS Administrator / Systems Programmer is responsible for the overall administration, maintenance, security, and optimization of the organization's z/OS mainframe environment.
• This role requires deep expertise in z/OS system internals, storage and hardware management, networking, and virtualization.
• The Senior Administrator ensures high availability, reliability, and performance of mission critical mainframe systems while supporting modernization initiatives and maintaining robust operational documentation.
Key Responsibilities:
1. z/OS System Administration:
Install, configure, maintain, and administer z/OS operating systems. Perform performance tuning, system health checks, problem determination, and root cause analysis to ensure stable and efficient system operation.
2. Storage Management:
Manage DASD and tape storage environments, oversee allocation and placement of datasets, perform capacity planning, and implement backup and recovery strategies using DFSMS and related technologies.
3. Hardware Infrastructure Management:
Maintain and support IBM mainframes, storage subsystems, and peripheral hardware. Coordinate and execute hardware upgrades, lifecycle maintenance, and incident remediation.
4. System Security:
Implement and maintain mainframe security controls to safeguard data and system resources. Utilize security tools, monitor access, and ensure compliance with established cybersecurity and audit requirements.
5. Performance Monitoring and Optimization:
Monitor system performance using RMF, WLM, and other tools. Identify performance bottlenecks and implement tuning strategies to enhance resource utilization, throughput, and reliability.
6. z/OS TCP/IP and Networking Administration:
Administer and support all networking components within the z/OS environment, including TCP/IP configuration, network security, connectivity troubleshooting, and performance tuning.
7. z/VM and Virtualization Support:
Install, configure, and maintain z/VM environments. Build, administer, and support virtualized Linux servers running under z/VM, ensuring stable interoperation with z/OS and supporting workloads.
8. Documentation and Knowledge Transfer:
Develop and maintain detailed documentation for system configurations, procedures, standards, and operational policies. Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to junior staff and operational support teams as needed.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or equivalent experience.
• More than 10 years of hands on experience as a z/OS administrator or systems programmer in an enterprise environment.
• Expert level knowledge of z/OS internals, subsystems, utilities, and operational best practices.
• Strong proficiency in DASD management, DFSMS, tape management, catalog management, and related storage technologies.
• Solid understanding of IBM mainframe architecture, hardware components, and system integration.
• Experience with performance tools such as RMF, WLM, Omegamon, and similar monitoring solutions.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with a focus on reliability and operational excellence.
Additional Technical Requirements:
• Deep knowledge of JES2, WLM, SMF, ICSF, DFSMS, ISPF, TSO, 3270 interfaces, TCP/IP, SMP/E, ISH, OMVS, Omegamon, and z/OS Connect.
• Familiarity with third party tools including Syspertec Virtel (browser based 3270 emulator), Rocket TMON (monitoring tool), and Chicago Soft QuickRef (reference tool).
• Experience supporting IBM software such as Tivoli Workload Scheduler, Fault Analyzer, File Manager, zSecure, DB2 Tools, and zLinux.

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